S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-25 - Persons required to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult; reporting methods (Omnibus Adult Protection Act)

What this rule requires your agency to do

• 1The mandatory reporter must not knowingly fail to report, as a knowing failure to report is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,500 or imprisonment up to one year. (S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-85)(S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-85)
• 2The mandatory reporter must make the report within twenty-four hours or the next working day of gaining reason to believe abuse, neglect, or exploitation occurred. (S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-25)(S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-25)
• 3The reporter must direct the report to the appropriate investigative entity based on where the abuse occurred - Adult Protective Services for community/home settings, the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program for facilities, or the Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit for Mental Health/IDD facilities. (S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-25)(S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-25)
• 4The reporter must make the report in writing or orally by telephone or otherwise to the designated entity. (S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-25)(S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-25)
• 5The provider must ensure any person with actual knowledge that a vulnerable adult has been abused, neglected, or exploited reports the incident, regardless of professional status. (S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-25(A))(S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-25 - Persons required to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult; reporting methods (Omnibus Adult Protection Act))
• 6The caregiver, allied health professional, or facility/adult day care staff or volunteer must report the incident when they have reason to believe that a vulnerable adult has been or is likely to be abused, neglected, or exploited. (S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-25(A))(S.C. Code Ann. § 43-35-25 - Persons required to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult; reporting methods (Omnibus Adult Protection Act))